What is this?

TempleTronics is an open source hardware project to realize home automation in your
home with the following objectives:

Low costs per node: A node is an endpoint of the
system. A light switch for example. Or the light itself. Thus, if you
have two light switches and four lamps in the room, you count six nodes.
The prime directive of this project was to keep it cheap, and not
exceed 15 euro on average per node.

Extendable setup: You must be able to define and
build the hardware I could not think of, and attach that to the system
easily. All my circuits and all software will be published on this site,
and you can do the same. On the forum you can interact with me or other
project participants.

Easy assembly: This means: no smd. I don't know about you,
but for me it is too much of a hassle. Of course this really poses
some challenges in component sourcing.

No 'black box' technology: I want to understand
everything I am doing, and give you that opportunity too. It is
simply more fun that way. It does not mean everything is easy, only
that nothing is hidden in unclear "fix it all ic's".

Why was this set up?

If you are a electronic hobbyist like me, you probably
dreamed of a fully automated home at some point. For example

Switch out all lights in the whole house when you leave, with just one button!

Control every single light from your PC or phone.

Let home automation protect your belongings.

Receive a message when a light is broken somewhere outside.

Home automation is not magic anymore, it can be obtained at any shop
nearby. However, available solutions are often expensive, prices
starting at 80 euro per node (a switch or a single light control point)
are no exception. Mostly, you cannot modify it to your needs and it is
limited in functionality. Furthermore, some systems are even
unreliable (wireless control accidentally activates a heater somewhere, I have
seen this happen).

Home automation of just a few lights in the living room with some
remote control is no home automation in my opinion. We want a complete setup,
every light or other machine controlled by the system.
I estimated that, if I would automate my whole home (that is every light and switch
connected to the system, as well as the central heater and the curtains),
totally over a 100 nodes, it would cost me over 8000 euros.
Way too much to my taste. And even then, my bathroom lights
do not understand they have switch on at low intensity
at night.

How can you participate?

This project is an ongoing activity. At the very moment I am
automating my home, you can join in, profit from my success, share
my experiences and have some fun. The goal is, at the end, our
homes will have turned into fully automated "temples".

Of course, you can download the software, design the circuitboards
yourself, buy the hardware and start building. This is fine. However,
in that way it is not possible to keep your costs low. I have estimated
just building the minikit will cost you almost 150 euros,
thus exceeding 50 euros per node! And, it is hard to obtain all
components, since some are only available in larger quantities.
In order to keep the costs low, we are combining forces.
On the 'participate page' you see how this is achieved.

What is the current situation?

I have available several controllers, actuators and sensors. On the
documentation page this is all explained. These are prototypes, but
are running. At the moment I am making final adjustments, and then
I will publish the software and circuitry on this site.

Disclaimer

Designs, circuits, programs and pcb's are 'AS IS'. Please
inspect and check yourself before you use, build or buy anything.
Everything you encounter on the site or order via the site is
distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

You must have the necessary skills in electronics
to take responsibility for the circuits you build, even if
they are built according the schematics on this website.
The circuits may or may not work according
to your expectations, may contain errors and may
violate local regulations and law.
Furthermore, some circuits are intended to be connected
to the mains. You do so on your own risk, and you should
have a proper education in electronics before you do so.
If you do not have these skills, DO NOT ORDER OR BUILD the
circuits. The parts which are to be connected to the mains,
may cause LIFE THREATENING INJURIES.